Video, photos, and Press Release from a press conference held today (Monday, August 26, 2013) opposing the City of Fresno's demolition of homeless encampments. Photo below: Rev. Dr. Chris Breedlove College Community Congregational spoke at the Press Conference, organized by homeless advocates.

COALITION IN OPPOSITION TO RAZING OF HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS PLANS PRESS CONFERENCE AT SITE OF FIRST SCHEDULED DEMOLITION

For Immediate Release:

The Fresno Coalition for Humane and Affordable Housing Policies will hold a press conference on Monday, August 26, 2013 at 8:30 am on the corner of Santa Clara and G Streets to announce their opposition to the city’s planned demolition and to launch a petition drive asking the city to halt the razing of the camps and address the issue of homelessness in a humane and effective manner. Planned speakers include Chris Breedlove, pastor of the College Community Congregational Church. The Coalition’s petition has been uploaded to a website created by the group at http://www.helpfresnoshomeless.org/

“Our group believes that demolishing homeless encampments is inhumane. The city’s plan to offer alternative housing to the people who live in the encampments is woefully inadequate,” says Mary Ellen Carter, member of the coalition. “Few people in the encampments will be able to receive housing vouchers before the scheduled demolitions. The city’s plan is not a long term plan at all - its lack of compassion is disturbing, and it is a public shame to our city. We can do better than this.” ####

The Press Conference was held on Santa Clara street, shortly before the homeless encampment was destroyed by the City of Fresno. Bill Simon, who is with the local ACLU is seen here being interviewed by a reporter from radio station KMJ.

This is the homeless shelter (see the previous photo) that is being destroyed by a city bulldozer. The City of Fresno is in the process of destroying all of the homeless encampments near the Poverello House (a homeless center in downtown Fresno).